Hi there,
It’s a beautiful Friday and I can see you preparing for the weekend already. Shopping, traveling, hanging out with close friends, or just sitting indoors being a couch potato, whatever you do this weekend, one thing is for sure -EnGw got you covered with loads of creative fun, especially tomorrow’s Saturday Stories. Can’t wait, believe me.
It’s FreestyleFriday today and we would be exploring the books of history as we delve into worlds of the great heroes our great country has produced. I’m no politician so don’t expect me to tell you about Nnamdi Azikiwe or Obafemi Awolowo or Tafawa Balewa.
But if you’re interested in getting our Daddies and Mummies giggling and going down memory lane this weekend as Nigeria turns 57, then let’s do this together. I’m sure most of you don’t know half of the list of people that I’d be exploring today.
We’d be looking at some of the great musicians that have helped shape the country since independence till date. And I’m only looking at a few of them in no particular order so bear with me if you don’t see any familiar names. If you were born after 1990, then get Mummy or Daddy close by so they can tell you the stories well. And for our Oldies reading this, enjoy the ride. Ready? Let’s do this.
Who remembers Onyeka Onwenu?
Iyogogo? I knew that song through NTA back then as a child. Someone in that TV station must have had a crush on her, because they always played that song everyday! I later came to know that she did her youth service at the TV station. Maybe that explains it anyways. Well, Mummy Onyeka is now into gospel music, and continues to write and sing about issues such as health (HIV/AIDS), peace and mutual coexistence, respect for women rights and the plight of children. A real legend, I can say that she is a Queen of Nigerian music.
Once you hear iyele iyele iyele, you know that Mama is here .
Next on my list is King Sunny Ade.
If Onyeka is the Mummy, then KSA is the Daddy. (Did I just hear someone say how about Fela? I’d say Fela is that big Uncle that I didn’t grow up to know. You get. Let me quickly add that they both were sent to the University to study one thing or the other, but ended up in music somehow)
The first Nigerian Grammy Award nominee ever, King Sunny Side is well known as a band leader and an exceptional guitarist,
Mò ti mõ, Aiye Nreti Eleya Mi, Merciful God amongst others are some songs I know that we younger ones can still relate with (I was also born in the 90s, lol).
I duff my hat Anyday for KSA when it comes to music and guess what? He’s the current the “Change Begins With Me” campaign ambassador for the country. Great legend, and King too. Omo oba Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye.
Next and finally in my review is no other person than Prince Nico Mbarga.
You might not know his name, but I’m sure you know his song. Sweet Mother, I no go forget you, for the suffer wey you suffer for me. See, I told you you’d know that song. “Sweet Mother” is sometimes called Africa’s anthem and has been voted Africa’s favourite song by BBC readers and listeners. He might not have been well known by we the newbies, but I’m sure Daddies and Mummies, especially from the igbo tribe will remember “I no go marry my Papa”, a song that drives home the point that parents shouldn’t make marital choices for their children.
And there you have it. I’ve got some more on my list but time wouldn’t allow me to explore all of them. Should I mention Oliver de Cooque, or Stephen Osita Osadebe, Mike OkrI, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, Dan Muraya Joseph, Sir Victor Uwaifo, IK Dairo, Sunny Okosun, Funmi Adams, Shina Peters, Christie Essien Igbokwe, Bobby Benson, William Onyeabor, Majek Fashek, Daddy Shoky(i know you all will know him, yeah rite).
The list is endless. Nigeria remains a leader in Music and every sphere of life. Mr Eazi, better warn yourself o. I’d just leave it here now.
See you guys with a wonderful and thrilling story tomorrow on Saturday Stories… Catchya
Alakowe
…writing stories since Adam and Eve
EnGw 